I applaud the governor for creating a process that will allow for the regular review of previously exempted public policy and its impact on the citizenry. Specifically, I would like to weigh in on the regulation for the Immunization of School Children. The purpose of the regulation is to ensure that all children attending school in the Commonwealth are adequately immunized and protected from a very specific list of diseases, like mumps, diphtheria, and hepatitis. Executive Order 19, issued by the governor stipulates that a policy review be conducted and include an assessment of whether the regulation is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare or the economic performance of important government functions. I would agree that regulation for the Immunization of School Children is both essential to the safety and health of our communities and the economical performance of the government.  

The list of required vaccines is developed in accordance with the Immunization Schedule developed and published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The preceding list of subject matter experts has sufficient expertise to provide guidance to the State Board of Health Regulations for policy development. The Commonwealth should continue to utilize subject matter experts, technology, public input, and a regular review cycle when determining how to best administer a regulatory program for the Immunization of School Children.